NEWPORT NEWS, VA, July 17, 2007 - Both Virginia Secretary of Education Thomas Morris and Senator Tommy Norment today have a better understanding of the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.

The two officials made their first formal visit to the Department of Energy facility on Monday and took a tour of the nuclear physics research complex. They received information about the planned upgrade of the Lab's research capabilities and the upgrade's impact on future science. They also spoke with participants of the Lab's popular math and science education programs.

In addition to talking with student and staff scientists regarding their research projects, Morris and Norment visited the industrial area of the Lab where accelerator components are designed, manufactured, assembled and tested.

Morris served as the president of Emory & Henry College for 13 years, before being appointed to his current position in January 2006. Norment, who serves as the senate majority floor leader, represents the 3rd Senatorial District.

Senator Tommy Norment (left) and Virginia Secretary of Education Thomas Morris meets Sara Mohon, from the College of William and Mary, who is taking part in nuclear physics research work at Jefferson Lab through a Department of Energy summer internship program for young scientists.